Gorilla Trek Rwanda, East Africa wildlife with Volcano Gorilla Tours
Gorilla Trek Rwanda, East Africa wildlife with Volcano Gorilla Tours
Nestled in the heart of Africa, Rwenzori Mountain National Park is a breathtaking sanctuary of natural beauty and wonder. Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in southwestern Uganda, straddling the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park covers approximately 996 square kilometres and is renowned for its stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and challenging hiking trails.
Rwenzori Mountain National Park is home to the third highest mountain in Africa, Mount Stanley, which boasts several peaks. The park’s peaks are often snow-capped and offer some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the world.
Mount Stanley is the highest peak in the Rwenzori range, with its highest point being Margherita Peak at 5,109 metres. This peak is a favourite among climbers and offers a thrilling and challenging ascent.
Mount Speke, standing at 4,890 metres, is the second highest peak in the Rwenzori range. It is named after the British explorer John Hanning Speke and provides a less frequented but equally rewarding climb.
Mount Baker, at 4,844 metres, is the third highest peak. It is named after the explorer Sir Samuel Baker. This peak offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes and is a popular choice for climbers seeking a less crowded experience.
Other notable peaks in the Rwenzori range include Mount Emin Pasha (4,798 metres), Mount Gessi (4,715 metres), and Mount Luigi di Savoia (4,627 metres). Each of these peaks provides unique climbing experiences and stunning vistas.
Reaching Rwenzori Mountain National Park involves a combination of air and road travel. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey.
The most convenient way to reach Rwenzori Mountain National Park is by flying into Entebbe International Airport, which is Uganda’s main international gateway. From Entebbe, you can take a domestic flight to Kasese Airport, which is the closest airport to the park. The flight from Entebbe to Kasese takes approximately one hour.
From Kasese, the park is accessible by road. The main entry point to the park is the village of Nyakalengija, which is about 20 kilometres from Kasese town. The road is generally in good condition, but a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season.
For those on a budget, public transport options are available. You can take a bus from Kampala to Kasese, which takes about six to eight hours. From Kasese, you can hire a taxi or take a local minibus (matatu) to Nyakalengija.
Hiking in Rwenzori Mountain National Park is a challenging and rewarding experience. The park offers a variety of trekking routes that cater to different levels of experience and fitness. The most popular trekking route is the Central Circuit Trail, which takes about seven to nine days to complete.
The Central Circuit Trail is the most popular and well-established route in the park. It offers a circular trek that starts and ends at Nyakalengija. The trail passes through lush montane forests, bamboo zones, and alpine meadows before reaching the snow-capped peaks.
The trek begins at the park headquarters in Nyakalengija. From here, you will hike to Nyabitaba Hut, which is at an altitude of 2,652 metres. The trek takes about five to six hours and passes through dense forests where you can spot various bird species and primates.
From Nyabitaba Hut, the trail continues to John Matte Hut, situated at 3,505 metres. This segment of the hike takes about seven hours and involves crossing the Mahoma River and ascending through bamboo forests and heathland.
The third day involves a trek to Bujuku Hut, which is at 3,962 metres. This section of the trail takes about five hours and includes crossing the Bujuku River and hiking through the Lower Bigo Bog, a challenging but rewarding experience.
From Bujuku Hut, the trail ascends to Elena Hut at 4,541 metres. This segment takes about four hours and offers stunning views of Mount Baker and Mount Speke. Elena Hut is the base camp for those attempting to summit Margherita Peak.
On the fifth day, climbers can attempt the summit of Margherita Peak. The ascent to the peak takes about three to four hours and involves climbing on glaciers and rocky terrain. After reaching the peak, climbers descend to Kitandara Hut at 4,023 metres.
The trail continues from Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut at 3,261 metres. This segment takes about five hours and involves descending through steep and muddy trails. The views of the Kitandara Lakes and the surrounding valleys are breathtaking.
From Guy Yeoman Hut, the trail descends back to Nyabitaba Hut. This section takes about six hours and involves passing through bamboo forests and the Mubuku River.
The final day involves a descent from Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija, taking about three hours. This marks the end of the Central Circuit Trail.
Rwenzori Mountain National Park is renowned for its unique and diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to several endemic species and offers a rich biodiversity that attracts nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.
The park’s vegetation zones range from tropical rainforests at lower altitudes to alpine meadows and moorlands at higher elevations. The montane forests are characterised by giant heathers, lobelias, and groundsels, which create a surreal and otherworldly landscape.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including several primate species such as the black-and-white colobus monkey, blue monkey, and L’Hoest’s monkey. Birdwatchers will be delighted to find over 217 bird species, including the Rwenzori turaco, long-eared owl, and the endangered Shelley’s crimson-wing.
The best time to visit Rwenzori Mountain National Park is during the dry seasons, which occur from June to August and December to February. During these periods, the trails are less muddy, and the weather is more predictable, making for a more enjoyable hiking experience.
Rwenzori Mountain National Park offers a unique and unforgettable adventure for nature lovers, hikers, and climbers. With its stunning peaks, diverse flora and fauna, and challenging trails, the park is a true gem of Uganda. Whether you are seeking to conquer the heights of Margherita Peak or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the montane forests, Rwenzori Mountain National Park promises an experience of a lifetime.